What is the Best Dog Breed to Own? Top Choices for Families and Singles

Trying to name the number one dog to get is like arguing about the best pizza topping—you’ll get a different answer from everyone. I know because I asked my buddy, my uncle, and even my friend’s grandma (she’s 91, so her vote for 'a good mutt' carries weight). Dogs are personal. Some folks want a playful tornado bouncing off their couch. Others dream of a laid-back companion who’ll nap and binge-watch Netflix. I’ve had everything from a lazy bulldog to my current best friend, Arlo—half-Golden, half-mystery. The truth is, the ‘best’ depends on you. But, let’s cut the fluff and find out what makes a breed top the list for most people, why it happens, what the stats say, and how you can sniff out your own number one.

Why ‘Best’ Is So Personal—But Some Dogs Shine

If you ask around for the best dog breed, watch how the answers change the second someone’s eyes light up thinking about their own pup. The breed that wins is usually the one fitting someone’s lifestyle—not just what’s trending on TikTok or whose face looks cutest on those dog calendars.

There are hundreds of recognized breeds, but only a handful ever top the yearly popularity lists. The American Kennel Club (AKC) releases a list each year using actual registration numbers, and the Labrador Retriever just keeps crushing the competition. Why? It comes down to what we need most in a modern dog: friendliness, adaptability, and just enough goofiness to keep us grinning. Labs are like the Swiss Army knives of the dog world—there’s nothing they can’t do. They’re guide dogs, hunting partners, therapy animals, and family legends. Try googling "Labrador Retriever world record," and you’ll see stories from record-setting frisbee catches to heroic rescues. Since 1991, Labs have sat at the top of the AKC list. In fact, in 2023, over 100,000 Labs were registered—more than twice as many as the runner-up breed on the list, according to the AKC. I’ll toss the actual popularity numbers for the last five most popular breeds into a table so you can see what I mean:

Those are just cold data, though. When you really look at why Labs or Goldens (or even the clever Poodle, who’s a lot less yappy than people think) are everywhere, it’s because they fit busy, noisy, unpredictable lives. They want to be your friend. If you’ve got kids, shed a ton of hair, or don’t mind letting a dog take over the backyard, these all seem perfect. But what about the downsides?

Labs, for example, are NOT for everyone. They’re bouncy as a pinball till three years old. They shed so much you’ll find fur in your morning cereal. Goldens get separation anxiety if left alone too long. French Bulldogs are great in small apartments but can rack up huge vet bills for their tiny respiratory systems. So when picking ‘number one,’ it’s smart to skip wishful thinking and get honest about your real daily life.

Let’s run through some fast rules:

• If you want brains and energy: Border Collies, Aussies, Huskies (but be ready for a tornado of needs)
• If you want a cool couch potato: Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, many mutts
• If you’ve got allergies: Standard Poodles, Schnauzers, Portuguese Water Dogs (no truly ‘hypoallergenic’ breed exists, but these are as close as it gets)
• If you have small kids or other pets: Labs, Goldens, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• If you want loyalty that won’t quit: German Shepherd, Boxer, Akita (but these need training—don’t just buy one for looks)

It helps to dig into a breed’s rescue stories, not just Instagram photos. The right dog for you is the one whose personality lines up with your everyday messiness, not just big weekend adventures. Ask shelter staff what the dog’s really like at 7 a.m. Or, ask weird questions: “Is he scared of the vacuum?” “Will she try to eat my cat?” That’s how I chose my cat Thistle’s canine roommate—by making sure Arlo never even blinked when Thistle strutted around the living room.

The Popular Choice: Labrador Retriever and Its Challengers

No dog breed is as consistently loved as the Labrador Retriever, but several others are always nipping at its heels. Here’s what makes Labs so inviting: their temperament is gold. Labs almost always pass temperament tests—91% pass rate, according to the American Temperament Test Society (yes, that exists)—which means if you introduce one to your neighbor’s wild toddler, there’s a much smaller chance of drama. These dogs want to please. My old neighbor had a giant black Lab who learned to bring in groceries bag by bag from the car. Smart and useful. That’s not just a pretty face.

But let’s be real: Labs can be stubborn, and left alone, they’ll invent games with your socks that you will not enjoy. They need exercise. About two hours a day as adults—and no, a quick leash walk around the block won’t cut it. You’ll need to throw tennis balls, let them swim, or sign up for agility classes. If you skip that, Labs get bossy and destructive—think chewed-up remotes, holey shoes, escape attempts. They also think with their stomachs more than their brains. Don’t be shocked if your sandwich disappears when your back’s turned. All Labs show that same "please feed me, I haven’t eaten in years" face.

Not everyone wants that kind of project. The French Bulldog has become a hot favorite, especially in the city. Just look at their numbers—they’ve boomed in popularity, especially in the last five years. The upside? They’re clownish, fun, stubborn, and love snuggling up in tight spaces. You don’t need a yard. You do need a weird sense of humor (snorts and toots are part of the package). They can’t really swim. They overheat easily. And watch your wallet—vet care for breathing and skin issues can hit four figures fast.

Then, there’s the Golden Retriever. Goldens give you all the loyal, gentle, people-loving joy of a Lab but with slightly more patience and a massive, traffic-stopping tail wag. Need a therapy animal? Goldens outnumber every other breed in hospital therapy programs. Need a family clown? They’ll fetch a stick till your arm falls off, then ask for more. But Goldens are a magnet for certain health issues: cancer rate is high among U.S. Goldens, with some studies reporting over 60% of U.S. Goldens will die of cancer. You have to be mentally and financially prepared for that.

If allergies are a worry, Poodles and their mixes (like Goldendoodles) have exploded in popularity thanks to their lower-shed, curly coats. Don’t get fooled, though—these dogs still need a ton of grooming and clipping. Skip a week, and you’ll be chasing knots and mats everywhere. Don’t forget mixing breeds is never a guaranteed cure for allergies: always test a little spit or hair reaction first if your nose starts itching at the pet store.

And let’s talk rescue—but not just the "sad dog ad on TV" story. Mixed breed rescue dogs often outlive purebreds by several years, especially if you avoid breeds prone to big genetic problems. My Arlo is some kind of Lab–Spaniel–Mystery blend, and (no offense to all you breeders out there) he’s had zero health scares aside from chewing up my favorite shoe. The unpredictable perk: you’ll get a dog whose quirks are all their own. Shelters often test basic behaviors so you can pick calmer or more energetic fits.

How to Find the Best Dog for You—Step by Step

That nagging feeling that you should have a dog—it’s real. But hold up before you scroll through puppy photos and fall in love with those floppy ears. Here’s the nitty-gritty for actually choosing the number one dog for you, not for someone else.

First thing: list your ‘must-haves’ and ‘dealbreakers’ honestly. Love hiking every weekend? Want a running partner? Or are you happier with a lap dog who’s fine with chilling for hours? Are you out of the house a lot? Got tiny kids or other animals? Write it down as a checklist. Easy example:

• Can be left alone for 6-8 hours without crying or chewing the drywall
• Not very vocal (ask apartment managers about breed noise rules; Huskies, Beagles, Shelties usually bark and howl when bored)
• Good with cats (important at my house—Thistle is the boss)
• Lowish shedding or at least doesn’t blow their coat every spring and fall like a Siberian husky
• Medium energy, so I’m not forced to run 5K daily
• Can live well in apartments or small homes
• Youth or senior? Puppies require massive patience for housetraining

Now, actually visit your local shelter or volunteer with a rescue group. You’ll meet dozens of breeds—some pure, most mixed. Staff truly know which dogs have what quirks. Ask to visit at feeding time, playtime, and naptime—dogs are like people, grumpier or friendlier based on routines. Play with different sizes and ages. Don’t just trust a dog’s cage energy; let them walk around or sniff you.

To narrow it down, do a "three-point check": Appearance, Temperament, Exercise Needs. Use a scale. If two out of three are a "no," move on. Looks matter less than behavior. Energy is key—choose a lazy breed if you prefer TV marathons or an active dog if you want to up your step count.

Check for breed-specific health issues. Labs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia; Frenchies to breathing problems; Dalmatians to deafness; Dobermans to heart issues. A quick vet check and some internet sleuthing will save years of heartache. And if you’re thinking, ‘I’ll deal with that if it comes up!’—imagine having to hand-feed your 65-pound dog twice daily to sneak in medication or carrying him up the stairs daily as he ages. Prepare, don’t regret later.

Get honest about cost. Food, vet visits (count on yearly exams, shots, surprise stomach bugs), grooming, dog walking or daycare if you can’t be home, pet insurance. Big breeds eat a lot; small breeds chew up small toys just as fast. French Bulldogs and Bulldogs top lists for most expensive breeds to insure due to health issues. Plan on $1,000–$1,500 or more just for annual basics—not counting emergencies.

Read about what daily life is actually like. Reddit, breed forums, and honest YouTube reviews (not breeder sales pages) are goldmines. “A Day in the Life of a Golden Retriever Owner” or “Why Border Collies Might Drive You Insane” are worth searching. You’ll get truths like, “My Vizsla needs three hours of exercise or she chews the furniture” or “My Corgi herds my kids into the bathroom every morning.”

Last tip? Temperament wins over looks. The right personality match leads to fewer regrets, fewer surrender stories, and a fuller, happier life for both you and your dog. For some, the #1 dog is the joyful Lab; for others, it’s the quiet rescue mutt, the steadfast Golden, or the clownish Frenchie. Figure out your life, then match the dog—not the other way around. My two goofs, Arlo and Thistle, barely notice each other, but that harmony means more peace than any blue ribbon or championship pedigree ever could.